9 January 2000
Transmitted by email:
Mr. xxxx yyyyyy
U.S.A.
Dear Baha'i Friend,
Your email of 30 December 1999 inquiring about portraits of Bahá'u'lláh has
been received at the Baha'i World Centre. Recently, on behalf of the Hebrew
University in Jerusalem, Professor Moshe Sharon presented to the Universal
House of Justice two copies of a photograph of Baha'u'llah, which were made
from a copy that exists among the university's archival holdings. The copies
were received on behalf of the House of Justice by two of its members. The
House of Justice was deeply appreciative of the courteous gesture shown by
the action of the Hebrew University.
It should be understood that there are two known photographs of Baha'u'llah
that are similar in appearance; copies of both have existed in the Archives
at the World Centre since the time of Shoghi Effendi. A copy of the one
preferred by Baha'u'llah is on display in the Archives for the viewing of
nine-day pilgrims to the Holy Land. The gift copies presented by Professor
Sharon are of the second photograph.
With loving Baha'i greetings,
Department of the Secretariat